Lancaster
cityLancaster is a charter city located in northern Los Angeles County, California, nestled in the Antelope Valley of the western Mojave Desert. As of 2020, the population was 173,516, making it the 30th most populous city in California. Lancaster and its southern neighbor, Palmdale, are considered twin cities and principal hubs of the Antelope Valley region. Lancaster's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including healthcare, education, retail, and technology. The city has a growing commercial and industrial presence, attracting businesses with its affordable land and strategic location. Lancaster is also making strides in renewable energy, aiming to be a net-zero electricity community. Lancaster's history is tied to the Southern Pacific Railroad, which established a station there in 1876. The city officially incorporated in 1977, marking a new era of community pride and self-governance. Today, Lancaster offers a blend of high desert landscapes, a growing cultural scene, and a commitment to a better future.
Lancaster, California
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 06-40130
- Country
- United States
- County
- Los Angeles County
- Region
- Antelope Valley, Western Mojave Desert
- Elevation
- 2,359 ft
- Total Area
- 94.52 sq mi
- Land Area
- 94.27 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.25 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.683
- Longitude
- -118.15
- Climate
- Semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Low humidity and an average of 8 inches of rainfall per year.
- Notable Features
- Mojave Desert · Antelope Valley · Tehachapi Mountains · San Gabriel Mountains
- Neighboring Areas
- Palmdale · California City
- Population (2020)
- 173,516
- Est. Population (2024)
- 167,426
- Median Age
- 34.5
- Median Income
- $81,511
- Poverty Rate
- 15.56%
- Family Households
- 71.9%
- Owner-Occupied
- 60.4%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The largest racial/ethnic groups are Hispanic (48.2%), White (23.5%), and Black or African American (19.1%).
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Multiple districts including Lancaster School District and Antelope Valley Union High School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation


















































- Unemployment Rate
- 6.8%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/Suburban · Commercial · Aerospace · Renewable Energy
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- Aerospace companies · Healthcare providers · Retail chains
- Students
- 15,500
- School Districts
- Lancaster School District · Antelope Valley Union High School District · Eastside Union Elementary School District · Westside Union Elementary School District · Wilsona Elementary School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Antelope Valley College
- Transportation
- State Route 14 · Antelope Valley Line (Metrolink) · Local bus service
- Utilities
- Water · Power · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- Antelope Valley Hospital · General William J. Fox Airfield
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve · Saddleback Butte State Park · Apollo Community Regional Park
- Parks & Trails
- City parks · DryTown Water Park · Lancaster National Soccer Center
- Founded
- 1876
- Incorporated
- 1977
- Named After
- Possibly Lancaster, Pennsylvania, or a Southern Pacific Railroad staff member
- Historical Significance
- Originally a railroad town, Lancaster transformed into a center for agriculture, aerospace, and renewable energy, playing a significant role in the development of the Antelope Valley.
- Key Events
- Southern Pacific Railroad arrival in 1876 · Establishment of War Eagle Field · Incorporation in 1977 · Development of aerospace industry
